New Ndoshimili Union Emerges After Historic Merger
By PAULINA NZERUBE
A new chapter opened for Ndoshimili communities in Ndokwa East Local Government Area on Saturday as previously divided socio-cultural bodies merged to form the Ndoshimili Development Union (NDU). The inauguration, held in Aboh, followed months of dialogue and reconciliation that ended a long-standing rift within the area’s leadership structure.
The newly constituted NDU brings together prominent sons and daughters of the local government from diverse professional backgrounds, creating a single platform aimed at promoting unity, development and stronger engagement with government and development partners.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Paul Enebeli, described the merger as a deliberate response to years of underdevelopment fueled by internal disagreements. He said the decision to unite reflected the wisdom of the people and their resolve to pursue collective progress rather than division.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Julie Umukoro, said the new union symbolised a turning point for Ndoshimili, urging leaders to move beyond symbolic unity to concrete action. She emphasised servant leadership, institutional strength and inclusive participation, particularly by youths and women, whom she described as critical to sustainable development.
NDU Chairman, Mr. Ike Onyenokwue, said Ndoshimili’s long history of contributing to Nigeria’s oil and gas economy had not translated into improved living conditions for its people. He highlighted poor infrastructure, inadequate schools and health facilities, and youth migration as pressing challenges. While reaffirming peaceful and lawful advocacy for justice, he called on Ndoshimili people to embrace self-help and collective responsibility. The Ndokwa East council chairman, Chief Vincent Oshilomya, assured the union of government support.
